Square column clamp



Oct. 15, 1963 c. l. WILLIAMS 3,107,087

SQUARE COLUMN CLAMP Filed June 22, 1960 2 sheets-sheet .1'

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@d .wn 0 .m w mw w um W J/ nu @5%. Mmg mfwwg 1.2.22 W M m. 7 mr j J7 nlJ 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1960 United States Patent O "ice3,107,087 SQUARE CIJUMN CLAD/HP Chester I. Williams, 1501 Madison Ave.SE., Grand Rapids 7, Mich. Filed dune 22, 1960, Ser. No. 37,982 Claims.(Cl. 269-125) 'Ihe present invention relates to a clamping structure for`forms for concrete columns, or similar mold-like forms, and moreparticularly to a clamp structure for forms of square or otherrectangular section.

In one form of the invention as disclosed herein, the clamping structureincludes elements to define a frame for the mold rwith clamping elementspivoted on frame elements which include interior corner parts for theforms. This for-m of the invention provides numerous advantages,includ-ing great ease and simplicity in both assembling and removing theclamping structure, the elimination of any need for separately -applyingseparate interior corner pants for the form, convenient storage of theparts of the clamping construction in a small space, and the possibilityof pre-assembling the form with one of the sides omitted so that it maybe hoisted or otherwise moved to a desired location for disposition inenclosing relation with a column core member or the like, for example, asteel `column member of a building, to facilitate construction. Thepossibility of partial pre-assembly also has the advantage of allowingreinforcing members to be arranged in the form before it is erected to avertical position.

In another form of rthe invention, a simpler clamping structure isemployed which, while lacking certain advantages of the first mentionedform, retains the basic advantages of ease and simplicity of applicationand removal.

Still another form is disclosed, particularly advantageous inapplication to column forms or the like of relatively large size, whichtakes advantage of the common use of tie rods in such large forms tosecure the clamp-ing parts on the forms.

An advantageous aspect of the invention in all of the disclosed formsthereof is the yfact that the clamping structure is adjustable todifferent sizes of column forms and the like through any desired rangeof dimensions.

One object of the invention is the provision of a clamp structure `forconcrete column forms and the like, which is of simple and durableconstruction, easy to apply and remove.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a clamp structurewhich is capable of indefinite reuse.

Another object is the provision of a clamp structure which is4adjustable to different sizes of forms through a wide range.

A further object is the provision of a clamp structure for Concretecolumn forms and the like which when not in use may be stored in `aminimum space.

It is another object of the invention to provide a clamp structure forcolumn forms and the like which includes parts which serve as a dramefor the forms.

Another object is the provision of a column form clamping structurewhich provides a frame construction for the form, including interiorcorner iiiler elements camied thereby to eliminate separate applicationof such corner filler elements in assembly.

Another object is lthe provision of a column form or like clampingstructure which lends itself to partial reassembly so that it may beapplied readily to already erected column core members, or to haveassembled and secured therein reinforcing means for the column to beformed therein.

Other and further objects, `advantages and features of the inventionwill be apparent to those familiar with the 3*,ld78'? Patented Get. 15,1963 art from the following deailed description, :taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a perspective View of a :form for a concrete column inassembled relation, employing one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the embodiment of theclamping structure as shown in FIG. 1, with the form panel meansomitted;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a square column for-m filled with concrete, inwhich the embodiment of lthe invention -as shown in FIGS. l and 2 isemployed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary View of a corner of the lform andclamping structure as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is .an isometric view illustrating another embodiment of theinvention, applied to a column form of square cross section shown indotted lines;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the clamping structure of FIG.5 applied to a column form;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational -view of one of the clamping members oftheclamp structure of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a broken plan view of the clamp member as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view similar to FIG. 6 to a column formof relatively large cross section, illustrating `another embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a portion ofthe clamp structure shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. l to 4 inclusive, there is shown a clamping structuregenerally designated iti, provided in accordance with the presentinvention, applied to a concrete column form or the like of rectangularsection, de- -iined by sheathing such as four panels P of plywood or thelike forming the four sides of the form. The clamp struc-ture iti, ashereinbefore mentioned, also provides framing for the form, includinginterior corner iiller members therefor. FShe clamping and framingstructure comprises four corner posts, each including an outer oornermember i1 presenting two surfaces 12 at right angles Ito each otherladapted to be arranged substantially flush with the outer surfaces ofadjacent panels P. An inner ,corner filler i3 is secured as by bolts -14to the inner face of the member 1l, the iller with the corner memberprolviding -a Ithickness at the sides of the corner post adjacent 'theside edges of the two adjacent panels P of substant-ially the samethickness as the panels. In accordance with the usual practice, theinner corner ller 13 is formed to provide a surface extending diagonallybetween the inner faces of the panels P, so as to break the corner ofthe column by forming a bevel between ea'ch pair of sides thereof. Asbest show-n in FIG. 4, the outer corner member ll may conveniently be anangle member of any suitable length, and the liller 13, of correspondinglength, may be la member of general channel cross sections with `flangesor legs extending from the web thereof engaging on the member il of suchdimensions and angular relation yas to provide for the diagonaldisposition of the web and to lie substantially flush with the edges ofthe yflanges of the member lil.

In assembling the framing and clamping construction with a column formor the like, a corner post is disposed with the outer surfaces 12thereof substantially iiush With the outer faces of two rectangularlyrelated panels P, the side edges of which are brought into engagementwith the side portions of the posts, which as already described are ofthe same thickness as the panels. When all of the posts have been soarranged relative to the side panels of the form, the shape of thecolumn form is determined, or the form may be said to be set up,substantially as shown in FIGS. 1 or 3. The form and the framing andclamping structure, however, are not fully assembled since means must beemployed to hold the corner post and the panels in the desired relation.Otherwise, the form would fall apart.

In the present embodiment, the securing or retaining means comprises aplurality of clamping arms carried on each of the corner posts, beingpivotally mounted thereon by means of rivets 16 or the like to swing ina plane closely parallel to one or the other of the outer faces 1-2 ofthe corner member 1'1. In the present instance, three clamping arms 15are shown as pivoted on each of the corner members 11 of the cornerposts in relatively spaced relaton therealong. The arms are mounted inan alternating arrangement, the central arm swinging along one face 12or the :corner member, and the other two paralleling the other outerface. Each arm 15 is of a length somewhat greater than the greatestwidth or breadth of any form on Iwhich it is intended to be employed. Asshown, each arm is made from an angle member, although of course it maybe made in any other appropriate manner, and is arranged with one flangeparallel to the adjacent face 12 of the corner member and the otherturned outwardly. At its pivoted end the arm 15 has a projection 17 ofsuch length that it extends a slight distance beyond the face 12perpendicular to the face along which the arm lies, when the arm isswung to a position substantially perpendicular to the corner member 11.'Ihe out turned ange of the arm is removed or omitted from theprojection 17, and a notch 18 is formed in the remaining flange at apoint just outwardly of the face 12 which extends perpendicular to thearm. One side of the notch is preferably cut away on an arc centered onthe adjacent pivot 16, as will be clear from FIG. 2. The main portion ofeach arm 15 has formed in the flange thereof paralleling the adjacentface of the corner member 11 a series of slots or notches 19 openingfrom the edge of the ange opposite that from which the notch 18 opens.The notches 19 are preferably spaced at equal intervals beginning at thefree end of the arm 15 and continuing for any desired distance along thearm 15 toward the pivoted end, the distance between the notch 18 and thenotch 19 closest to the pivot 16 being slightly greater than the leastwidth or breadth of a form on which Ithe clamping structure is to beemployed.

As will be evident from an inspection of IFIGS. 1 to 4, when the cornerposts and the panels P are arranged as previously described to deline acolumn form, the parts are held or clamped against separation byinterengage- Ament of the arms 15 of adjacent or successive cornerposts. An arm 15 of one corner post is brought to a positionsubstantially perpendicular to the post, with one or more of the notches19 disposed outwardly beyond the corner post adjacent which the free endextends, and the notch 18 just outwardly of the one corner post. Thecorresponding arm on the adjacent post is then swung to a positionsubstantially normal thereto, with the notch 1S engaging with one of thenotches 19 which lies just outwardly of the adjacent post, as -will beclear from FIGS. l and 2. The corresponding arm 15 on the other adjacentcorner post similarly is swung to engage one of the notches 19 thereofwith the notch 1S of the rst mentioned arm 15, and then thecorresponding arm 15 on the fourth corner post is pivoted into notchedengagement with both of the adjacent arms, thus completing thesecurement of the parts at one level. The two remaining arms of each ofthe four corner posts are then interengaged Iwith the corresponding armsof the other posts in the same manner, so as to complete the clamping ofthe parts of the form into fully assembled relation. It will be obvious,of course, that the particular order of securement or engagement of thearms with each other may be varied as desired or as most convenient. Thespaced notches 19 provide for automatic adjustment of the clampstructure to forms of any Width or breadth within the range provided bythe extent of the series of notches along each arm.

In removing the clamping structure, it is only necessary to swing thearms 15 so as to disengage them from each other, after which the cornerposts may be readily removed from framing relation with the panels P ofthe form, and the panels may be removed from the column which has beenformed therein. It will be apparent that upon removal from a form, theframing and clamping structure may be stored or arranged for transportin a small space, the arms on each corner post being swung intosubstantial alignment therewith so that each corner post and itsassociated clamping arm occupy a minimum of space. Locks 20 may bekprovided for holding the arms in the post-aligned position in thecollapsed condition of the structure. These locks may be in the form ofbolts or like means providing projections on the faces 12 of the outercorner members 11 to engage appropriate notches 19 of the arms 15. Itwill be evident that the inner corner fillers 13, being secured to theouter corner members 11, are applied and removed therewith as singleunits, and thus greatly simplify the task'of assembling the forms. It isthe common and usual practice to employ corner pieces or fillers whichmust be separately inserted and secured in the form, and thus obviouslycomplicate both the construction and the handling of the form. Suitablenailing apertures (not shown) are provided in the corner posts to allownails to be driven therethrough into the adjacent panel means P.

In FIGS. 5 to 8 inclusive, there is shown another embodiment of theinventinon which achieves greater simplicity than that illustrated inFIGS. l to 4 by omitting the corner posts or framing structure. Theclamping structure of this form of the invention is generally designated22 in FIGS. 5 and 6, each clamp comprising a pair of clamping members23, each of which consists of a pair of clamping arms 24 extendingvatright angles to each other. The clamping members 23 are shown as formedof angle members in the present case, each arm 24 comprising a suitablelength of a steel angle, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, with one endformed at a 45 angle substantially as shown at 25 in FIG. 8, and Weldedor otherwise secured to a correspondingly formed end of another arm 24.The arms are arranged so that one leg or flange of each extendsperpendicularly to the corresponding llange of the other arm, and theother anges thereof extend outwardly from the perpendicularly relatedflanges in a plane normal Vto the planes of both the perpendicularlyrelated flanges. In each of fthe latter flanges, i.e., the angesextending in planes perpendicular to each other, there is provided anumber of slots or notches 26 each extending inwardly from the edgethereof for substantially half the width thereof, the notches beingspaced from each other at any appropriate interval in a series extendingfrom the free end of each arm 24 toward the end joined to the other arm.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the clamp 22 s shown as applied to a form F of squarecross section, one of the clamping members 23 being arranged with thearms engaging two of the sides of the form with the notches 26 in thearms opening upwardly, and the other member disposed in engagement withthe other two sides of the form with the notched anges arranged with theslots opening downwardly and the free end portions of the arms of thetwo clamping members in crossing relation with each other at diagonallyopposite corners of the form. YBy means of the slots 26 in theintersecting or crossing portions of the arms, the clamping members areinterengaged with each other and secured on the form in surroundingrelation thereto to hold the side members of the form against outwardseparating movement, or in other words serving to clamp the parts of theform together in the desired relation. The clamp structure of FIGS. 5 to8 may be employed with a column form of any length, the pairs ofclamping members 23 being arranged at suitable intervals along thelength of the form, as will be apparent from FIG. 5. To remove theclamps 22, it is only necessary to drive the two clamping members 23 inopposite directions so as to disengage the notched portions, as will beevident. The clamps of this form of the invention are somewhat morediilicult to remove than those of the first form of the inventiondescribed, since the hinged or pivoted arms are more readily moved toreleased position than the arms 24 secured together in substantiallyrigid pairs. The members 23 may be stored in a small space when not inuse, although because of the right angular form the disposition forstorage or shipment is not quite as convenient as that of the framingand clamping structures of FIGS. 1 to 4.

In FIGS. 9 and l0 there is illustrated another embodiment of theinvention, particularly adapted for use in cases of square or similarrectangular column forms beyond the capacity of the clamping members 23as shown in i-llGS. 5 to 8. In the clamp structure of FIGS. 9 and l0,there are employed four clamp members 28 which are substantially thesame as the clamp members 23, each comprising a pair of arms 29 arrangedin fixed right angular relation, like the members 23. The clampingmembers are applied to a column form C, shown in this instance is ofsquare section, the sides of which have a width greater than the lengthof the arms 29, but less than twice the length of the arms. Fourclamping members 23 are employed, one being applied to each exteriorcorner of the form C so that one arm 29 thereof extends along andtransversely of one side of the form and the other arm similarly liesalong the adjacent form side. The arms, as already indicated by theexplanation of the length thereof relative to the width of the formsides, eX- tend more than half-way across the sides. The arms ofadjacent clamp members lying along the same side of the form thus havetheir ends in overlapped relation, although it will be understood thatadjacent clamping members must lie in different planes normal to theform side, as will be clear from FIG. l0. The clamping members are heldagainst longitudinal movement :of either arm thereof relative to theadjacent 'arm of an adjacent clamping member, `and against outwardmovement from the form side, by means of clamping brackets 30 whichoverlie the overlappingly related end portions of adjacent clamping armsof adjacent members 28. The brackets Sti are urged inwardly relative tothe side of the form, so as to clamp the arms 29 of the members 2Stightly against the form side and thus prevent movement thereof. Thebrackets may conveniently be the clamp brackets employed on the outerends of the tie rods 31 employed as bracing means in the large form C tohelp prevent bulging or spreading thereof under the pressure of theconcrete employed to form a column therein. Two tie rods 31 are shown,extending at right angles to each other substantially centrally throughopposed sides of the form and projecting outwardly between theoverlapped portions of the clamping arms 29 at the respective formsides, as is made clear in FIG. l0. The tie rods may be made up of aplurality of parts, as for example, by having removable end portions orshe-bolts, as is well known in the art and therefore need not be furtherdescribed herein. Nuts 32 are threaded on the outwardly projecting endsof the tie rods to draw the brackets 3i) tightly against the clampingarms 29 and thus hold the arms and adjacent form sides against movementoutwardly of the form, and also prevent slipping of the arms along thesides against which they lie. It will be apparent that the tie rods andbrackets perform not only the function of securing the clamping membersin clamping relation to hold the form in assembled condition, but alsocarry out their intended function of bracing the form against pressureto 4which it is subjected.

As in the case of the other forms of the invention disclosed, the clampstructure of FIGS. 9 and l0 may be employed at appropriate intervalsalong the length or height of the column form or the like, the severalclamps being spaced as may be most appropriate or desirable. The mannerof applying and removing the clamp structures 6 is believed to beapparent from the description of Vthe form, structure and operationthereof as hereinabove described, involving only the drawing up orloosening of the clamp brackets. It is to be noted that the arms 29 ofthe clamping membersY 28 are shown as provided with spaced notches 33which are substantially the same as the notches 26 of the clampingmembers 23 previously described. These notches are not necessary to theoperation of the clamping members in the particular arrangementillustrated in FIGS. 9 and l0 and described hereinabove, but permit theuse of the clamping members 28 in the same manner as the clampingmembers 23 on column forms and the like of appropriate size and section.Similarly, of course, the clamping members 23 might be employed in thesame manner as the clamping members While the embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed as applied to forms for columns of squareor rectangular cross section, it will be understood that the inventionmay be employed with column forms or the like of other angular sections,such as triangular, hexagonal or octagonal. All that is necessary is toarrange the clamping arms so that adjacent arms extend at an angle toeach other corresponding to the angle between the form sides, and employthe number of arms or clamping members appropriate to the particularnumber of form sides.

Having thus described my invention, it will be obvious to those skilledin the art that various immaterial modiiications may be made in the samewithout departing from the spirit of my invention, hence I do not wishto be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction,arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or usesmentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A Clamping frame for a column form or the like of angular sectionhaving panel means defining the sides thereof, comprising a :cornermember -for each corner of the form presenting a pair of surfacesextending generally in 4the planes of the respectively adjacent formsides, a right angle-shaped clamping arm pivoted to each corner memberto swing parallel to one of said surfaces thereof and of a lengthgreater than the width of the adjacent form side, an extension of thepivoted end of each right angle-shaped clamping arm projecting beyondthe other yof said surfaces upon disposition of the right angleshapedclamping arm substantially perpendicular 'to its corner member, aplurality of notches in said right angleshaped :clamping arm, one ofsaid notches being formed in said extension and located to be positionedjust out- Wardly of said other surface in said perpendicular armposition and another of said notches being formed adjacent the free endof the right angle-shaped clamping arm and located to be positioned justoutwardly of the surface of `an adjacent corner member parallel to saidother surface in said perpendicular right angle-shaped clamping armposition, said other notch yof each arm engaging with said one notch ofthe right angle-shaped clamping arm pivoted on said adjacent cornermember.

2. A clamping frame substantially as defined in claim 1, in which aplurality of said right angle-shaped clamping arms are pivoted on eachcorner member in spaced relation.

3. A clamping frame substantially as set forth in claim l, in which aplurality of said right angle-shaped clamping arms are pivoted on eachcorner member alternately parallel to one yand the other of saidsurfaces thereof.

4. A clamping frame substantially as defined in claim l, in which eachof at least certain of said right angleshaped clamping arms has aplurality of notches formed in a ange of certain of said rightangle-shaped clamping arms and extending in spaced relation therealongfrom adjacent the free end thereof, said plurality of notches includingsaid other notch.

5. A clamping -frame substantially as set forth in claim 1, in whicheach corner member comprises an outer angle member providing saidsurfaces, and an inner corner ller secure-d to said angle member andtherewith providing the corner member with a thickness adjacent eachform side substantially equal to that of the adjacent panel means.

References Cited in the ijle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSScammell Dec. 31, 1907 Hoy Apr. 6, 1915

1. A CLAMPING FRAME FOR A COLUMN FORM OR THE LIKE OF ANGULAR SECTIONHAVING PANEL MEANS DEFINING THE SIDES THEREOF, COMPRISING A CORNERMEMBER FOR EACH CORNER OF THE FORM PRESENTING A PAIR OF SURFACESEXTENDING GENERALLY IN THE PLANES OF THE RESPECTIVELY ADJACENT FROMSIDES, A RIGHT ANGLE SHAPED CLAMPING ARM PIVOTED TO EACH CORNER MEMBERSWING PARALLEL TO ONE OF SAID SURFACES THEREOF AND OF A LENGTH GREATERTHAN THE WIDTH OF THE ADJACENT FORM SIDE, AND EXTENDION OF THE PIVOTEDEND OF EACH RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM PROJECTING BEYOND THE OTHEROF SAID SURFACES UPON DISPOSITION OF THE RIGHT ANGLESHAPED CLAMPING ARMSUBSTANTIALLY PERPENDICULAR TO ITS CORNER MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF NOTCHESIN SAID RIGHT ANGLESHAPED CLAMPING ARM, ONE OF SAID NOTCHES BEING FORMEDIN SAID EXTENSION AND LOCATED TO BE POSITIONED JUST OUTWARDLY OF SAIDOTHER SURFACE IN SAID PERPENDICULAR ARM POSITION AND ANOTHER OF SAIDNOTCHES BEING FORMED ADJACENT THE FREE END OF THE RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPEDCLAMPING ARM AND LOCATED TO BE POSITIONED JUST OUTWARDLY OF THE SURFACEOF AN ADJACENT CORNER MEMBER PARALLEL TO SAID OTHER SURFACE IN SAIDPERPENDICULAR RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM POSITION, SAID OTHER NOTCHOF EACH ARM ENGAGING WITH SAID ONE NOTCH OF THE RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPEDCLAMPING ARM PIVOTED ON SAID ADJACENT CORNER MEMBER.